Suitcase words have many potential meanings, and their interpretation is highly context-dependent

In this second series on troublesome words, I want to look at common problems for people learning English as a second language.

Such was Shakespeare’s ability to put the human experience into words that he famously coined hundreds of words and expressions , many...

A few years back, I worked as an interpreter on an HR seminar where the keynote speech was delivered by a doctor-turned management...

“ Activité ” is another one of those words that is superficially similar to its English equivalent, with the same etymology and many...

Poor corporate communication is so ubiquitous that it has almost become a cliché in itself. The Internet abounds with articles and memes ...

The fall and rise of the humble baguette.

Bill Bryson claims that “200,000 words are in common use” in the English language compared to “a mere 100,000” in French. The case of “métier” certainly goes some way to helping me believe that statistic.

“ Efficace ”: What does it mean? Effective? Efficient? Efficacious? All of these things? What it the best way to translate it? Let's...

The word "enjeux" originally meant the sum you are willing to gamble in a game. This blog discusses how to translate it in a modern context.

How many translators does it take to screw in a light bulb? It depends on the context…. Translating " partage " by "sharing" might seem...

There are subtle differences in how the word “performance” is used in French and English, which can be seen in the difference between the...

A light-hearted look at translators’ troubles with problematic prose. #translation #traduction

Today, I want to look at a word of business jargon that frequently crops up in discussions of organisational design: “transversal”.

Another look at false friends and misleading mates.

In this third instalment of my series on worrisome, wearying words I want to look at “ intervenant ”. Larousse provides the following...

The curious case of "animer”: A common word with a surprisingly elusive meaning.

Like any translator, I sometimes come across terms that make me hesitate between two (or more) potential interpretations.